AB de Villiers: Sad we won’t bat together again for green and gold, says Faf du Plessis

Tributes continue to roll in after AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket this week.Photo: Mike Hutchings/Reuters

CAPE TOWN – Some of his closest Proteas teammates and friends have praised AB de Villiers for his stellar career, with captain Faf du Plessis saying: “Gonna miss you.”

Proteas fans may still be taking it all in after De Villiers surprised many, including Cricket South Africa, by hanging up his bat just a year out from the 2019 Cricket World Cup, which was one last big goal in a glittering career.

But it was not to be, with De Villiers saying “to be honest, I’m tired” in a video message conveying his decision to retire from international cricket on Wednesday.

He said he will still turn out for the Titans, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he turns out at next year’s IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore again.

Faf Du Plessis posted on Instagram:

“Gonna miss playing with mate. So many great memories of partnerships that we shared on the cricket field.

Sad that we won’t bat together again for the green and gold .Gonna miss [email protected]”

Hashim Amla said “What a player, what a man!” and added that it was an honour to watch De Villiers play.

Former SA captain Graeme Smith said:

“nothing but love… it’s been an absolute privilege”

One of De Villiers’ lieutenants, JP Duminy, said he was one of the greatest batsmen of all time:

“Most definitely a G.O.A.T in my book. Truly an honour to have shared some memorable moments on and off the field with you champion. Congrats on an outstanding international career. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter my friend. Good well Braampie @abdevilliers17 #GOAT”

Most definitely a G.O.A.T in my book. Truly an honour to have shared some memorable moments on and off the field with you champion. Congrats on an outstanding international career. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter my friend. Good well Braampie @abdevilliers17#GOATpic.twitter.com/RV7eK5JmJS